Fully booked ski resort in flames: Death toll rises to 76

Kartalkaya - More than 70 people have lost their lives in a fire at a Turkish ski resort. Dozens were injured.

The fire in the hotel cost dozens of people their lives.
The fire in the hotel cost dozens of people their lives.  © IHA/AP/dpa

A hotel in the Kartalkaya ski resort caught fire at around 4 a.m. on Tuesday night, according to the Turkish news agency IHA.

According to the report, it was high season in the Köroğlu Mountains and the accommodation was fully booked. Around 234 people were reportedly staying at the hotel at the time of the fire.

Firefighters have since been able to extinguish the flames and inspect the severe damage to the interior of the Grand Kartal Hotel.

The Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya (56) announced in the evening that 76 people had lost their lives. 52 victims have now been identified. More than 50 people were injured.

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (70) announced that he would "bring those responsible to justice". Four people have since been arrested, including the hotel manager.

At least 76 people died in the fiery hell.
ContentImage.Description   © DHA (Demiroren News Agency) / AFP

Meanwhile, images and videos on social media show a large contingent of rescue workers in front of the burning hotel. Eyewitnesses also reported desperate people trying to escape the flames by jumping out of the window.

First reported on January 21, 7.57 am. Last updated at 8.31 pm.